The future of Queensland’s resources industry was on display as a new virtual reality (VR) training lab was unveiled at the Resources Centre of Excellence last week.
The VR training software provides immersive scenarios to help students understand the high-risk environment and potential hazards, without compromising their safety.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the Resources Centre of Excellence is setting the standard for the sector across the southern hemisphere.
“We're proud to support the Resources Centre of Excellence in Mackay and the role it plays in training the next generation of workers in Queensland's resources sector,” she said.
“This new VR lab will help equip our resources workers with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed well into the future – and most importantly keep them safe.”
The lab is the product of an 18-month collaboration between the Resources Centre of Excellence and Brisbane-based Next World Enterprises.
“We’ve designed our cutting-edge virtual reality software to enhance the learner’s engagement and foster a deep comprehension of the training topic,” said Next World Enterprises CEO and Founder Michael O’Reilly.
“It is also a win for business, as it increases productivity and minimises downtime due to injury from ineffective training.”
Resources Centre of Excellence CEO Stephen Boxall said the new lab will work hand-in-hand with the Centre’s existing training facilities.
“What we’re looking at doing is providing that world-first training across theory, practical and VR which I believe will absolutely lead to much safer outcomes for the industry as a whole,” he said.
Speaking at the Resources Centre of Excellence, Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the Queensland Government has committed an extra $5.7 million in funding to expand the Centre to support emerging industry needs.
“Stage 2 is about looking at artificial intelligence and the technologies that we’ll need to develop the workforce, not only for today’s mining sector, but for the future mining sector,” he said.
"Developing a highly skilled and adaptable workforce is a key component of our 30-year plan for the resources sector, which will enable us to drive innovation and growth for decades to come.”
CEO and Founder of Next World Enterprises Michael O’Reilly, Minister for Resources Scott Stewart and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert
VR immerses the user in high-risk scenarios without compromising their safety. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
Image supplied: Next World Enterprises
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